NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, members of the “Tennessee Three,” are seeking to reclaim their legislative seats after being expelled for participating in a gun control protest on the House floor. The young Black lawmakers were reinstated on an interim basis but must now win special elections to fully regain their positions. Both candidates easily won their primary elections in June and now face opponents in general elections that heavily favor Democrats. Jones is up against Republican candidate Laura Nelson, while Pearson faces independent candidate Jeff Johnston.
Pearson tweeted earlier this month, “Let’s send a clear message to everyone who thought they could silence the voice of District 86. You can’t expel a movement!” Jones and Pearson were elected to the GOP-dominated Statehouse last year and mainly flew under the radar until joining a gun control protest with fellow Democrat Rep. Gloria Johnson. Republican lawmakers expelled Pearson and Jones for violating House rules, leaving primarily Black districts in Nashville and Memphis without representation. Johnson, who is white, narrowly avoided expulsion, leading some to argue that race played a role in the decision.
The expulsions received national attention and generated significant campaign fundraising for Pearson and Jones, who raised over $2 million combined from about 70,400 donations. In contrast, Jones’ Republican opponent, Laura Nelson, has raised just over $34,000, while Pearson’s opponent, Jeff Johnston, has raised less than $400. Thursday’s election will also influence two other legislative seats, one in Nashville and one in eastern Tennessee. Aftyn Behn and Anthony Davis are competing for the general election in Nashville, while Timothy Hill and Lori Love will face off in Republican-leaning District 3.